Cruising the Back Roads to New Orleans

There are only three great cities in the United States: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. All the rest are Cleveland.

These words are oft attributed to Tennessee Williams, but it is not certain he coined the phrase.

Nonetheless, Kiahra wanted to see New Orleans, so our next spring break stop was the French Quarter.

The warm rain poured down as we drove. When we stepped out of the vehicle, the streets were still empty from the recent downpour, and the rain was dripping off the balconies~and the sultry warmth surprising.

The Gumbo Shop delighted our tastebuds with creole cuisine for lunch.

Lively table conversation is our trademark~leaving us with fond memories and smiles!

Then we were ready to stroll through the streets which would conveniently take us to Cafe Du Monde for piping hot beignets.

The gas lamps immediately caught Ron's eye.

Meandering through the streets, we admired the distinctive architecture.

The staircase led from the street to the Beauregard-Keyes Home which was built in the French Quarter in 1826. A tour gave us a glimpse into life during that era.

Chayse was asked to play the piano.

 I love the historic trim of the Greek Revival style.

The kitchen, slave quarters, and stable lined the courtyard.

My favorite thinker!

The restored garden behind the walls were beautifully manicured.

(And even on tippy toe she is shorter than her "little" brother!)

The sultry climate makes plants grow prolifically.

The splashes of color make it seem like an artist's palette has touched every corner.

New Orleans is unforgettable. 

I must concur that New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans are most distinctive.

Blue Skies

Dauphin Island

 is not commercialized like so many beautiful white sandy beaches are, so we fell in love quickly. 

It was all old-fashioned fun!

The spring breezes could be chilly and the water was just warming up...but that did not deter the kids!

The paddle board was good entertainment for an entire afternoon as everyone took a turn!

Huck Finn was up to his usual antics!

Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico was a dream for my fisherman, and they pursued that dream relentlessly with no success for the first few days. However, they discovered that they could catch catfish at night a few days later! On the last night, the locals told us we should have been using bigger bait for bigger fish (sharks), but nonetheless, it was good fishing at night!

Under beautiful blue skies, we all rode out into the Gulf of Mexico aboard a chartered fishing cruise in serious pursuit of those elusive fish. 

When we dropped our lines, the fish started hitting hard and fast! Our haul was impressive!

The following day, Kade and his friend took the kayak out into the Gulf and saw dolphins up close! 

The ocean was our getaway in California, and I didn't realize how much I missed it until I found myself listening to the familiar music of the waves as they rolled in (albeit more gently) and the smelled the salt in the air....though it was much warmer and calmer than the Pacific!

Island Adventures

Our exploration of Dauphin Island started with Fort Gaines. I was intrigued by this historic fort guarding Mobile Bay. Completed in 1862, it is an impressive structure.

The brick work spans from the surface to the underground. The workmanship is impressive, as I had to keep reminding myself the structure was over 150 years old.

The latrines were impressive to our youngest, as the ocean flushed these toilets once a day for the 400+ men who resided here.

The sleeping quarters were tucked safely into the ground...

...behind steel doors.

The kitchens opened to the outdoors and made me grateful for my modern conveniences!

The remnants of shipwrecks washed ashore through the years left me pondering the unspoken history.

The cannons were impressive.

Adventures are the most fun shared with friends!

Spring Break Sunsets

I love watching the sun set.

Even as a little girl, the sun slipping behind the horizon on the prairie was my favorite time of day.

Sunsets are part of my favorite memories.

Spectacular vacation sunsets are important because I can enjoy them with my family and unhurried by life.

My sunset pictures are identifiable to me by color first~even before the terrain. 

I love that every sunset is unique and beautiful no matter where I live.

My favorite fishermen discovered the best fishing was after sunset. The catfish would keep them

 entertained for hours as the surf rolled in and out, lapping at their feet~the gulf breeze with it.

My favorite photographer captured our last evening sunset on Dauphin Island with the pelicans.

Sunsets rejuvenate my spirit~always a good way to end any day.

Eighteen years ago, I was counting sunsets...eight months pregnant and filled with anticipation--A boy? Or a girl? What would he/she look like? What little personality would blossom in this tiny baby? What would his/her laughter sound like? What would she love? What would she dislike?

Never mind the "little" personality--our daughter did not disappoint;)

I love the sound of her laughter.

She too loves sunsets.

She too dislikes beets.

She taught me to love pedicures.

And she is beautiful.

But how did the sun set on the spring break of her senior year so quickly?

All the milestones flood over me like the tide...my tears salty too.

Thunder

There are moments of the heart that even a picture cannot capture.

That moment when close friends utter words of encouragement in the final minutes of a close game, as the audience looks on, silenced by the power of the moment tugging at their hearts.

Win or lose this is the moment that will be remembered.

And even after the win was secure and the team gathered to celebrate their goalie's outstanding performance...the first hug came from #24--and the respect and understanding of this bond can be seen in the faces of their teammates.

The bond created through teamwork--through supporting each other unconditionally in good plays and bad is a lesson for life. It is about learning in failure, recognizing effort, and celebrating the moments of success.

Their final games together are quickly approaching.

Bittersweet.

But I am so grateful for what they have taught me about teamwork, friendship, and hockey.

And the reminder to treasure the moment.

Hockey Weekends

#24

Kade loves hockey,

so we love hockey.

We have become road trip weekend warriors from Evansville to South Bend and in between.

The new stretch of interstate to Indy delighted us!

The speed of hockey makes it challenging to capture in photographs~but here is a glimpse.

Pre-game stretching.

Faithful fans.

Preparing for a game at the Notre Dame Ice Arena~home of the fighting Irish!

Warm-up

Face-off

Action.

Constantly skating, seeking opportunity.

I love my "little" boy~and I cannot believe he just turned 16!

I hope he never loses the passion with which he embraces hockey, fishing, and life!

Our Duke

Handsome.

Beautiful blue eyes.

He could run like the wind.

This little boy needed Duke nipping at his heels to keep him in line.

A little boy that was three years old when he arrived in his life.

He travelled the United States good naturedly.

Portia and Duke loved daddy.

Loyal.

He loved our camping trips!

I remember the night Kade slept in the hammock in New Mexico, and Duke just wasn't too sure about him being out there alone.

A sweet treat...though chex mix was his favorite!

Portia was the bossy older sister (I can relate), but they were inseperable.

Through the years, Portia and Duke worked hard rounding up kids on the farm!

He always missed Portia after she was gone...

And he learned to tolerate the new puppy and would play for hours with him. I think he secretly enjoyed him, but Duke made sure he knew who was boss.

 A well-behaved boy, even embracing San Francisco with Nikela.

Except, he knew mama didn't allow him on the furniture, so when I was gone...or even when I wasn't watching, he would sleep on the couch, but he was off in a flash when he heard me coming. 

 Oceanside fun.

Always looking for love.

I miss those loyal blue eyes.

He always laid at my feet when I would write...and that is where he laid down last.

Nearly 12 years old, he had grown older in the last year...it is hard work raising a family! Even though our hearts are broken by his sudden passing, he is still there...forever in our hearts.

Little Koda is still looking for you.

He misses those hours of play.

He watches by the door.

Just like we all are.